Photo Gallery

Beijing, China, August 14, 2008 - USA recovered from a set down to
stay atop of Volleyball Pool A after defeating Bulgaria in four sets (27-29,
25-21, 25-14, 26-24) at the Capital Gymnasium on Thursday.

The first set was tighter than expected as Bulgaria
trailed USA closely, helped by spikes across the net from Todor ALEKSIEV (BUL).

USA adjusted their defence, setting up more deep spikes
with digs from libero Richard LAMBOURNE and setter Lloy BALL.

Outside hitters Clayton STANLEY (USA) and Boyan YORDANOV
(BUL) exchanged spikes from the left side of the court in the third set. The
Americans covered their court well and won 25-15.

Bulgaria battled back in the fourth set, Viadimir NIKOLOV
showing control with spikes that caught USA's defence napping. USA hitters
STANLEY and William PRIDDY delivered the goods on the crucial points. STANLEY's
heavy spikes from the right finally gave USA the set 26-24, and the match. USA
plays China at the BIT Gymnasium on Saturday, 16 August.